By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Region – The holiday season is an unusually busy time for everyone. That’s particularly true for Greater Marlborough Programs, Inc. (GMPI), who recently moved its administrative office and opened a new family support center. Concurrently, the nonprofit agency is conducting its third annual Season of Giving. Yet, everyone involved is managing well, noted Carol Manne, executive director.
“There’s quite a bit of work to do, but we’ve got a great, energetic team here,” she said.
GMPI serves over 300 families with developmentally disabled children and adults in Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough and other Metrowest communities. Season of Giving is a holiday program to help them appreciate the pleasure of sharing.
The agency moved Dec. 4 from its former location to 65 Boston Post Rd. West, Suite 220, in Marlborough. The new location accommodates an expanding administrative staff.
More space also allowed adding a family support center with activities, conference and sensory rooms. A computer lab is nearby. A larger kitchen will be used to help teach daily living skills.
“We can offer more after-school programs for children and young adults,” Manne explained. “We’ll be able to do activities, from cooking to working on a resume.”
The conference room is named in honor of the Forrest family. The annual Jim Forrest Memorial 5K Run/Walk benefits GMPI.
GMPI also offers residential services with four homes in Marlborough neighborhoods: Fairmount, Liberty Street, Pleasant Street and Sunset House. Each home’s residents chose a charity to which they’ll contribute gifts through the Season of Giving program. The public is encouraged to help by donating items at the new location by Friday, Dec. 19.
Fairmount residents are giving presents to Pathways Family Shelter in Framingham. They’re collecting laundry detergent, shower curtains, deodorant, soap, baby blankets, diapers, bras (40-44-F) and coats (2-3XL).
Residents of Liberty Street decided to give gifts to Toys for Tots.
Pleasant Street residents are collecting comforters, throws and blankets for Sts Francis and Therese Catholic Worker House in Worcester.
Residents of Sunset House are giving items for young men to Teen Challenge Brockton for at-risk youth. They’re collecting winter jackets, thermals, sweatshirts, socks, underwear, deodorant, shampoo, soap and razors.
The administrative office is also participating with gifts to Buddy Dog, a shelter and adoption center for dogs and cats in Sudbury. They’re collecting canned and Science Diet dry food, collars, leashes, rawhide bones and pet toys.
Furthermore, GMPI identified 16 of its own individuals in need of being Spirit of Giving recipients. For the second year, Marlborough Savings Bank (MSB) employees offered to donate presents for GMPI individuals. The gifting was organized by Deb Campbell, senior vice president of branch administration.
“We love this organization and we want to help specific individuals in the community,” she said.
Denise Vojackova-Karami, GMPI vice president of developmental services, expressed the agency’s gratitude for assistance from MSB employees.
“A lot of our people don’t have families, so it’s important to have the extended family through the community like MSB,” she said. “Helping them make their holiday special is the spirit of giving. That’s the spirit that we, as an agency, envision not just around the holidays, but 12 months a year.”
Plans are underway for an open house at the new location to be held early in the new year.
For more information about GMPI, visit www.gmpinc.org and www.facebook.com/pages/Greater-Marlboro-Programs-Inc/106968744740.